At the actual press conference, UFC president Dana White said Cantwell was sidelined with a medical issue and “may never fight again,” though he wouldn’t elaborate.

Although UFC officials attempted to find a replacement for the former WEC light heavyweight champion, the quick turnaround time made it impossible. Matyushenko, an early UFC fighter who recently returned to the organization after a stint with organizations such as the IFL and Affliction Entertainment, will be shifted to a future UFC card.

Saturday’s event, which takes place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, will go on with 10 total fights. The night’s five-fight main card airs on pay-per-view, Spike TV airs two preliminary-card bouts.

Cantwell is the latest competitor forced off a fight card ravaged by injuries. In the months leading up to UFC 108, all of the following fighters were announced or expected to compete on the card: Anderson Silva, Vitor Belfort, Brock Lesnar, Shane Carwin, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Cain Velasquez, Rory Markham, Tyson Griffin, Sean Sherk, Carlos Condit, Gabriel Gonzaga and now Cantwell.

For the latest on UFC 108, including the night’s official fight card, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of MMAjunkie.com.

(Pictured: Vladimir Matyushenko)

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(UPDATED at 4:25 p.m. ET on 12/30/09 to include comment from Dana White in press conference.)

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